Mr Coventon used many words to describe his friend, among them funny, loyal, caring and strong.

"He made you feel good," Mr Coventon said.

"I think a lot of people would view Brett as their best friend, although he might not know that. He was just that sort of bloke where everyone loved him.

"I think that they would be as devastated as I am."

Since Monday afternoon, tributes have been pouring in for Senior Constable Forte, an officer of 15 years who was working with the Toowoomba tactical unit and had previous stints at Cunnamulla and Chinchilla.

Mr Coventon said Senior Constable Forte loved serving his community.

"It's his passion. I couldn't see him doing anything else," he said.

"He was a good cop, I think he believed he was making a good contribution and a difference.

"He chose to be back up here in Toowoomba, I think that's where he wanted to settle — he bought a house down the road."